Penguins' Malkin feels 'good' after full-contact practice, still has hurdles to clear

The Canadian Press

Penguins' Malkin feels 'good' after full-contact practice, still has hurdles to clear

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Still headache-free and with his short-term memory completely returned, Evgeni Malkin went through a full-contact practice with many of his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates Sunday.

Malkin, who has missed the past four games due to a concussion, said he "felt pretty good" immediately after the workout at a suburban rink.

Coach Dan Bylsma said the next step was for Malkin to pass an imPACT test. The team did not rule out a return Monday when the Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning, but Malkin indicated he'd prefer more time.

Malkin was speaking to the media for the first time since he was injured colliding with the boards during a win over Florida on Feb. 22. He has skated on his own twice since.